Which steam cleaners do you know? Let's discover them together

Features and advantages of steam cleaners

Steam is a truly unique element that allows us to clean and sanitise every washable surface in the house without using chemical detergents that can damage health and the environment. Nonetheless, there are different methods of generating steam and various types of equipment you might want to focus on based on your cleaning needs.

1. Steam guns

Small, light, portable and low-priced (starting at under € 50), steam guns are extremely easy to use and store. Steam guns are extremely useful, for example, when cleaning hob burners after cooking, or to remove small stains from carpets. They aren't recommended for cleaning floors or for large surfaces, as they only have a small tank that offers limited operating time.

Pros:

low price

perfect for spot cleaning

ideal to access hard to reach spots

take up very little space

light and easy to use

Cons:

not appropriate for cleaning large areas

not appropriate for extended use

2. Steam Mops

These devices are mainly designed for daily cleaning of your floors. Steam mops are light and easy to handle, with the shape of a traditional broom, but offer greater hygiene without the use of detergents. To limit the space required and reduce weight as much as possible, these mops generally use a "heat exchange" device, that generates steam faster than the boilers used in other devices, but with much lower pressure that makes them inappropriate for more stubborn dirt.

Pros:

low price, starting at € 70

ready to use in a few seconds

light and easy to use

perfect for cleaning and sanitising floors

take up very little space

Cons:

not appropriate for cleaning corners or other hard to reach areas

not recommended for removing stubborn dirt

may require a specific accessory to clean carpets

the smaller tank may require frequent top ups

3. Canister steam cleaner

With a form similar to a traditional vacuum cleaner, these steam cleaners may be less easy to handle than steam mops or guns, but are extremely efficient in cleaning and sanitising the floors and other washable surfaces in the home.

The size of these devices is determined by the boiler that generates high pressure steam, with a large capacity that means cleaning doesn't have to be stopped in order to add more water. The steam pressure, which can vary from 3 bar up to 5 bar in the most powerful models, is associated with the ability to dissolve and remove dirt: the greater the pressure, the easier it is to clean (e.g. 1 bar = 1 kg/cm2, 5 bar = 5 kg/cm2).

Some models may be lighter and more compact, with a transport strap so they can be "worn" during cleaning. These models are mid-way between the classic canister cleaner and a steam gun.

Canister steam cleaners often come with a large number of specific accessories for cleaning various surfaces, which makes them extremely versatile, able to clean everything: from floors to hobs, upholstery to bathroom fixtures, and even windows and curtains.

Pros:

versatile, appropriate for cleaning and sanitising the entire home

large tank

many available accessories

effectively remove stubborn dirt, stains and marks

Cons:

wider price range: from € 79 to € 349 for more complete models

larger

4. Integrated steam + suction systems

Ideal for those who want to get maximum cleanliness in minimum time, these devices combine the effectiveness of canister steam cleaners with a vacuum function - creating a single device able to vacuum, clean and sanitise every washable surface in the house, without using chemical detergents.

In terms of size, these steam cleaners are not exactly tiny, but thanks to their combined action, there is no need to keep a separate traditional vacuum cleaner.

Also in this case, many accessories are provided, as this device can handle every part of the house all by itself.

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